IUCN threat status:

Brief Summary

Description

Somewhat resembling the larger hoary bat, the silver-haired bat has frosted tips on the black or dark-brown fur of its back. Silver-haired bats occur in both grassland and forest, and are abundant in old-growth forest. They feed on small flying insects, especially moths, using echolocation to navigate and hunt. They start foraging after sunset, finding their prey at treetop level or over streams and ponds. Seasonal changes in the numbers of bats have been observed: more individuals are seen farther north in the summer and farther south in winter, suggesting that the species is probably migratory. However, these bats can enter torpor for energy conservation, and some individuals may not migrate.